Axes can be made simply by using a wood & PVC core. Cover the shaft completely as with a pole arm. Shape the blade-head out of either High-impact foam, Landau padding, or also the stiffer kind of longer "baked" foam. Axe blades should be no thicker than 2" and no thinner than 1". The last inch of the edge should be ordinary, soft foam-rubber to insure safe but firm blows. Glue and tape the blade-head on firmly. They should not bend or twist when striking. Do not include anything in the blade-head other than foam and tape. Blade shapes and sizes should be patterned after historical axes. Finally, wrap the blade and soft foam in duct tape and put a cloth cover over it. As on swords, only the pommels and not handles need to be padded.